Hooded Mergansers have descended on the Bitterroot Valley with the warming, or dare I say Spring, weather. With the warmer temperatures, multitudes of dabber little ducks can be found at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The numerous  male Hoodies can be seen in full display for the few females that have joined them on the rapidly opening ponds. The groups of testosterone-fueled males would circle round and round the females, and in a synchronized display, the males would threw their heads back and utter the most unique sound of the Montana spring. This sound can be heard in the video I shot (it’s at the bottom of the post, honest).

Throwing heads back in ecstasy
Throwing heads back in ecstasy
Going round in circles
Going round in circles
She has her pick of suitors
She has her pick of suitors
Where did she go?
Where did she go?

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